2013 Rising Star Chef Michael Toscano has unleashed his mastery of both meat and Italian cuisine on an unsuspecting street in Greenwich Village. Tucked on a northwest corner of Minetta Lane, Owner Gabriel Stuhlman’s Perla skirts the line between period restaurant and hip destination, with long red leather-lined banquettes, richly stained tables, and stunning marble accents—and don’t forget the infamous framed photo of rapper Mos Def. The purposeful décor lets you know Perla means business, but you’re here to enjoy yourself. Toscano serves some crowd favorites from his alma mater Manzo, including beef tartare and braised and grilled tongue—dishes that made Stuhlman fall in love with Toscano's cooking in the first place. But Toscano also forges ahead with expertly executed vitello tonnato, generously dressed with a silky aïoli and crispy fried capers, and beef tripe ragù with handmade garganelli.